Summer 2023
tech-ProoF
Parenting
six simple checks
garden PlaYdate
Be ready for alfresco entertaining
Festival Focus
some favourite family fests
the cost oF education
Fee increases and future financial planning
ummer is here! And this summer see’s Country child turn 13 years old. And similar to most teenager’s, she has pulled a huge tantrum, stamped her feet and decide that this new milestone is where her focus must change and her image. Teenagers!
We have had such a wonderful, testing, blessed and interesting journey in bringing you our quarterly download of parenting tips, advice and muses, however as with all good things this quartely aspect of the business will cease.
Our findings suggest that the Country Child website is generating more traffic versus the emag reads. This suggest to us that our site is so much stronger and working better for you and in fact you are getting our fix of helpful blogs and information on a regular basis, rather than just four times a year. Who has the time to wait for a whole season to pass for more words of parenting wisdom, from some of the top professionals across the globe. Not us!
Check out countrychild.co.uk with our main event in weekly seasonal country and parenting based articles. Plus our ever packed and informative - now interactive - event page! Log on and sign up, if you aren’t already subscribed, there so much more to see and discover from the Country Child arena. We look forwad to seeing you over there as you delve deeper into the digital delivery. Plus a new look too!
So, as we finalise this issue we have focused on the hear and now but with one eye on the very exciting future. Perhaps we venture into the podcast arena but for now we are loving the top three as selected by Nuby UK. Turn to page 17 to find out what there all about.
As we wash ourselves with all digital technology we salute the father and son team who have created a mindfulness game that helps our well-being but embraces the new tech world we are entering - and fast! Read more about the innovative duo on page 13.
That said we need to keep safe and as ever we are always looking for ways to keep up with developments and keep our kids safe! Page 7 has six simple and quick checks.
Once off the bluelight, we have a feast of festivals on page 15 to rediscover and on page 9 we have the items for kids to be seen in for balmy sunny days and poolside!
A big concern for us all is the cost of living, but for many a Country Child reader, the cost of education is also rising just as fast, with frozen fees dissapearing and annual fee increases, tunr to pages 27 to 29 for some serious future planning and prep.
It’s a fab issue to go out on, but more importantly we thank all our associates, readers, distributers, writers, colleagues and clients - past, present and future - for giving us 13 years of publishing!
MEDIA SALES: Matthew Cull Media Services
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In today’s digitally fuelled times, electronic gadgets and mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. Children especially are increasingly using these devices for entertainment, education and communication.
While they provide numerous benefits to children, there are some risks associated with their use. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important the appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of children while using these devices. Here are some key points parents and kids need to know about online safety, security and privacy.
Photos, videos and words kids post on social sites today can stay with them for years to come. So it’s important to educate your children about being smart when posting online and to think
before they do it.
Once something is on a social networking site, or shared with a third party, don’t be surprised if it ends up on the wider web even if you didn’t intend it to. Also, even if postings are deleted it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone for good.
Phishers send emails that look like legitimate correspondence and rely on you to give up personal information like usernames and passwords so they can commit follow-up attacks on your accounts.
Educate your children so they aren’t unwittingly volunteering information to a hacker by clicking a malicious link in an ingame chat box or opening an email attachment and falling prey to a phishing attack.
Most electronic gadgets and mobile phones come with builtin parental controls that allow you to limit access to certain apps, websites, or content. However, they are not always automatically switched on, so be sure to check with your provider.
Take advantage of these features to keep your child safe and monitor their usage. They also let you set limits on how long a child can spend on their device and even allow you to monitor exactly how they’re using it.
You can also look to filter explicit Google search results using SafeSearch. SafeSearch allows you to determine what sites your child can access with their smartphone, tablet or laptop. It’s turned on by default for children under 13 signed into an
account managed with the Family Link app. For these accounts, only parents can turn off SafeSearch.
There have been many horror stories recently where children are completing in-gaming purchases without permission and parents are left with a huge bill at the end of the month. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, parents can’t afford for their children to make this mistake. The best way to prevent this is to change the settings for in-app purchases. You could disable or password-protect them.
Location services are used by apps and websites to help tailor experiences to where users are at any given moment. To prevent sharing this data, it’s a good idea to switch off this feature. Instead, there are apps and widgets parents can use so they only have access to this information.
By teaching children security measures now, it will help keep their devices secure in the long run.
Don’t connect to public wi-fi where possible as it may give hackers access to the child’s phone and information
Don’t share passwords with friends or strangers
Don’t overshare online
Keep their phone close in their bags on hand rather than leaving it in their back pockets or places where it can be stolen
Password protect the phone so that if it’s stolen, personal information can’t be easily accessed.
Ace & Tate announces the launch of its first collection for KIDS aged four to eight. The KIDS collection will feature 15 pairs of glasses scaled down in size, not in style. £40
aceandtate.com
Get ready for seaside adventures and paddling pool parties, as Polarn O. Pyret unveil its brand-new swimwear. Jam packed with sun safe swimsuits, shorts, hats, rash vests and poncho towels, tots aged 0-10 years will be splashing in style by any shoreline or poolside! Remarkably, every design in the latest swimwear collection is made using post-consumer PET bottles.
polarnopyret.co.uk/collections/all-swimwear
Do you have a mini trendsetter under your roof? Or one who likes to stand out from the crowd? Little Hotdog Watson's SS ‘23 sun hat collection will have them turning heads this Spring and long into Summer and beyond. With bold prints and design features that will keep them cool and protected from the sun and bugs, you may find it a struggle to get them to take them off. Every LHW hat is made using innovative fabric that delivers UVA and UVB protection up to 50+, with temperature regulating lining and built-in mosquito repellent. Soft to touch, and designed to stay on heads, these machine washable hats will keep the adventure going as long as your child has energy!Littlehotdogwatson.com
It is no exaggeration to say that the events of the past few years have been life changing. e world has altered forever, and terms like pandemic, face mask and social distancing have worked their way into everyday conversation. e impact of these events on the youngest in our society is obvious; with children exploring their social interactions di erently to generations of the past, but what does this mean for the Camp Wilderness experience and those that are lucky enough to visit our woods?
With an action-packed itinerary full of bushcraft activities as well as advanced camps designed by adventurer and explorer Ed Sta ord, there is plenty to get stuck into on camp. Ed explains that these camps provide unique experiences that cannot easily be
replicated in everyday life. He emphasizes that children can bene t greatly from this opportunity, whether they attend alone or with their families. “During their time at camp, children can enjoy spending quality time in the fresh air, making new friends, and rising to new challenges. Camp Wilderness has created a rare opportunity that is not often available when looking for a kids camp or family holiday”.
From the very moment the children arrive in our woods to the second they step back into the car, their performance is not marked, graded, or analysed. e “tribes” that the children are split into are not based on academic achievement or physical ability. e children explore at their own pace, and our fantastic sta are encouraged to draw the thoughts and ideas from every child over the course of the camp.
We do not learn historical dates, recite times tables or write essays. Our range of activities rely on teamwork, imagination, humour and empathy. With every activity, the children receive instruction as a whole group, then again within their tribe - from a di erent voice, and then individually if needed. ere are no barriers on creativity here. I have rst-hand experience of the levelling e ect our camps can provide. Indeed, what inspires me most is how the children quickly and regularly work as a team and make new friends with those they would never have mixed with in normal life.
Our camps are a phone-free zone. is encourages children to look up, to see the world through their own eyes, and to share their
experiences using their own voice. Outside in uence stays at the entrance gate, and this e ect encourages children to communicate more with what is in front of them, free from judgement or pressure. Rather than taking a photograph, children look carefully. Rather than watching wvideos, children create their own trends.
It is also a perfect antidote for young minds in this ever-increasing world of social media. For the duration of the camp, we are immersing the children in nature and removing outside in uences, we can help them develop new perspectives and insights that will serve them well beyond the camp experience.
In a world where hand-washing and wearing face masks became the norm, sometimes all we wanted to do is splash around in the mud and get a little mucky. Our Camp Leaders teach children that there are times and places when we absolutely must but also that the dirt is your friend. ere is immense power in children seeing adults set this example. We sit on old tree stumps, lie in piles of leaves, and gather round a smoking re. We paint our faces with charcoal, pour water over our heads, and charge around the forest. And after a long day, we wash our faces, clean our teeth and change into clean clothes.
e term “getting back to nature” is very often used, but for me, the real experience is understanding that we are nature. We belong in the woods, and we can learn from our environment. Mud is not an obstacle and the noises of animals at night should not be scary. We respect our environment and learn from it.
e result of all this is what we like to call the Camp Wilderness e ect. As one parent recently shared with us, their son emerged from our camp more con dent, independent, and happy than ever before. He had
abandoned the screens that had been dominating his school year and was busy playing “tribes” with his friends in the garden. We believe that this is the kind of transformation that all children can experience when given the chance to explore the outdoors and connect with nature.
We’re excited to welcome your children into to our woods and help them discover all the joys and wonders that nature has to o er. It’s not just a break from the real world; it’s a chance to create life-long memories and inspire a love of nature that will stay with your child for years to come.
If the idea of getting outdoors appeals to the adults in your family too, we also run weekends where you can come along which o er the perfect chance to reset and reconnect with each other in nature, while participating in wholesome outdoor activities. ese weekends encourage you all to spend time together and learn something new as a family while having fun in the great outdoors.
In short, we are perfectly poised for an incredible summer ahead. I cannot wait to meet those who are lucky enough to visit our camps. Not only is it a once in a lifetime experience, I believe that there has never been a better, and more necessary time, to do it than right now.
We have 5 camps across the UK with prices starting from £239 per child and £409 per family. You can nd out more at campwilderness.co.uk
Stix Mindfulness aim to provide families with technology to support mental wellbeing in response to the alarming rise in poor mental health among young people.
Stix Mindfulness, a start-up founded by father and son duo John and Liam, has launched an innovative solution to support children’s mental health & wellbeing through interactive technology. Their product, The Stix Remotes, aim to provide a fun and engaging way for children to practice mindfulness techniques in order to help reduce stress and anxiety, teaching them coping mechanisms that will stay with them for life.
The inspiration for Stix came from Liam’s personal experience growing up with his brother who has ADHD. Liam was determined to explore alternatives to medication for children with ADHD to help support families whilst they wait on the 6+ month long CAMHS waiting list. He explored how he could make mindfulness easier for children who typically struggle to concentrate. During his time at university, Liam developed the first concept for Stix and was passionate about taking it further and developing it into a business.
Liam teamed up with his father, John, and together they have been working on Stix for the past 3 years. They’ve had ups and downs in their journey - from winning awards to having to deal with painstaking tech problems - but along with the amazing team behind them, they launched their product, The Stix Remotes, last month.
“We believe that mindfulness is an essential tool for children’s mental health and wellbeing, and our aim is to make it accessible and engaging for children everywhere,” says Liam, co-founder of Stix Mindfulness. “We are thrilled to have launched our product and are excited to see the impact it will have on children’s lives.”
The Stix Remotes offer interactive mindfulness activities that are designed to help children develop life skills, including concentration, focus, and emotional regulation. The Stix team collaborated with psychologists at Brunel University to develop a series of mindfulness activities, following well-researched mindfulness principles. They have already received positive feedback from parents and educators who have used the product with children, and have data from an early pilot study with Brunel that suggests Stix helps boost mood and reducing anxiety, which they now plan to take forward into a clinical trial.
“The breathing activities help Isabella calm herself if she’s feeling worried, whilst the balance activity helps her refocus and distract her from anxious thoughts,” says Ruth Carson, a parent who has uses the product with her two children.
Stix Mindfulness is already making a difference in the lives of children, and they are excited to continue developing the product and expanding their reach to support children’s mental health worldwide.
For more information about Stix Mindfulness and The Stix Remotes, please visit stixmindfulness.co.uk.
Each hike provides days of adventure and offers unique scenery, wildlife, and historical landmarks, making them great choices for a springtime adventure in the UK.
This 84-mile trail follows the ancient Roman wall that once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. It offers stunning views of the Northumberland countryside and includes many historical landmarks, such as Roman forts and the famous Sycamore Gap.
This 630-mile trail follows the entire coastline of the South West peninsula, offering dramatic sea views, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. In the spring, the trail is alive with wildflowers and birdlife, and you may even spot dolphins and seals in the waters below. Some might say that the South West Coast Path is actually one of the most challenging walks, so while it is a beautiful walk with spectacular views, it is best suited for experienced hikers - you will encounter some steep climbs and descents, rugged terrain, and a lot of ups and downs.
This 102-mile trail runs through some of England's most picturesque countryside, passing through quaint villages and historic market towns. In the spring, the trail is lined with blooming wildflowers and offers stunning views of the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes. The Cotswold Way walk is relatively easy, so it’s perfect for families. The trails are well-maintained, and while it has a few steep climbs and descents, alternative paths can be found for those who are hiking with the kinds and wish to avoid the challenge.
This 268-mile trail is one of the UK's most challenging walks, crossing some of its most rugged and remote landscapes
and featuring steep climbs, rocky terrain, and long, exposed stretches. The Pennine Way is also known for being unpredictable when it comes to the conditions - the weather in the area can be temperamental, with strong winds and rain for most of the year. Due to the capricious weather in the region, the best time to visit Pennine Way is during the spring and summer seasons. This walk is not one to go on with all the family - this trail is best suited for fit adult hikers who are happy to walk for between roughly 5h and 8h 30m per day. With paths like this one, it is especially important to plan and research your route in advance and let someone know where you’re going. It’s also important to check the forecast and consider sunrise/sunset times - some sections of this route can get really difficult in wet or windy weather.
This 96-mile trail is Scotland's most famous long-distance walk. It boasts stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and passes by iconic landmarks such as Ben Nevis and Loch Lomond. The level of difficulty for this walk is between moderate to difficult as a few of its sections can prove to be quite challenging. While the weather in this area can be unpredictable and challenging even in the spring, it is an ideal spot for those who love spotting wildlife.
This 79-mile trail follows the scenic Great Glen Valley in the Scottish Highlands, passing by famous landmarks such as Loch Ness and Ben Nevis. The trail is mostly moderate in difficulty, with a few challenging sections around the middle of the trail.
Tip: It's important to choose a walk that matches your fitness level and experience, and to prepare for the conditions you might encounter along the way. It's also a good idea to check the latest information on each walk, including any trail closures or diversions before you hit the road.
the UK.
Valley Fest, the family-friendly festival has added Groove Armada (DJ set) to its headliners, along with The Kooks, Bananarama and Scouting for Girls. The award-winning, music and food event takes place over 3rd –6th August. alongside Chew Valley Lake, near Bristol.
DJ Flight, Ishmael Ensemble, Ibibio Sound Machine, Bibi Tanga & The Selenites and Honeyfeet are also on the bill. Along with Altern 8, Crazy P (DJ set) Norman Jay MBE, Krafty Kuts, Soul ll Soul, The Legends of Goldie Lookin Chain (live show), plus the Plump DJs. The full line up is listed on the website. From 3 to 6 August. valleyfest.co.uk
Join the zoo’s ultimate Summer Party at Longleat!
With live music from English rock royalty The Coral and Lightning Seeds, spectacular cooking demonstrations from TV chefs John Torode MBE and James Martin AND over 30 food and drink stalls to explore — there's enough to keep the whole family entertained all day long!
Get excited for a very special vintage fairground, classic car collection and kid’s crafting activities and entertainment. PLUS you'll still be able to enjoy the wildest part of it all… their world-renowned safari and attractions. 17 and 18 June.longleat.co.uk
Whitchurch
Children’s Festival is a small, safe and friendly, family arts festival in Whitchurch, Hampshire, for families with preschool and primary-school age children. Proudly supported by Arts Council England. All activities once inside the festival are included! The theme for 2023 festival is 'bees': all inspired by the beautiful landscape surrounding Whitchurch: the River Test, Mill Trail and North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Sorry, no dogs are permitted (other than Guide dogs and assistance dogs). No unaccompanied children. 29 and 30 July.
whitchurchchildrensfestival.co.uk/tickets/
bluedot returns to Cheshire’s iconic Jodrell Bank 20-23 July 2023, with the first wave of music, science and culture names revealed in the new yearprevious headliners include The Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, Bjork, Tim Peake and Brian Cox. Named Best Medium Festival at the last UK Festival Awards, and nominated as Best Medium Festival and Best Line-Up at this year’s awards, bluedot is one of the most hotly anticipated festivals in the country for families and music lovers and science geeks alike. From 20 to 23 July
discoverthebluedot.com
From its humble origins as a fundraising event with some live music and a few barrels of beer in 2011, Lowde Fest has grown to become an important part of the local music landscape. Despite COVID putting a halt on the festival for a couple of years, Lowde Fest returned in 2022, and is now excited to celebrate its 10th anniversary. There’s plenty to keep all the family entertained, and the festival also boasts a fun fair with rides for younger festival-goers, as well as an array of food stands offering the best in world cuisine Lowde offers plenty of opportunities for camping too. Saturday 1st July 1 lowdefest.com
Nothing compares to the soothing voice of a skilled podcast presenter, the information digested into your earphones, and the slow afternoon a podcast presents you with.
Podcasts are gaining more and more popularity, and they’re becoming increasingly acclaimed amongst parents. When you’re a new mum or dad, it can be hard to steal some “me time” to indulge in your favourite shows. But while you’re folding the laundry away or watching your child entertain themselves on their playmat, you can add a pinch of leisure time with a good old podcast.
UK baby brand Nuby has outlined some of the best parenting podcasts to listen to that will help you learn a few things about parenting, shock you with some facts, and, hopefully, put a smile on your face. It’s time to listen!
The best podcast for general baby advice
“Good Inside with Dr. Becky”
If you’re looking for some general advice on the go, Rebecca Kennedy’s podcast provides trusted information in the span of 30 minutes. From sibling competition to feeling rejected by your child, “Good Inside with Dr. Becky” is your doorway to parenthood 101. Rebecca Kennedy, PhD is a mum of three herself, so she has plenty of first-hand parenting advice under her belt. On top of that, Dr. Becky is a clinical psychologist, and her advice is matched by science. Her approach fuses burning Q&As with her listeners and always ends with practical and actionable advice. Thousands of people have been able to get more comfortable in discomfort and make better after mistakes. It’s no surprise that the show has a spectacular rating of 4.9 both on Apple Podcasts and Spotify altogether, with over 3,000 reviewers. Over 3,000 people have rated the app on Apple Podcasts and Spotify altogether as they’ve been able to get more comfortable in discomfort and make better after mistakes, resulting in an overall rating of 4.9.
The best podcast for mental health support for parents
“Happy Mum, Happy Baby”
The name of the podcast, “Happy Mum, Happy Baby”, already suggests the philosophy behind it. As a parent, taking care of
your mental health will ensure you raise a happy and healthy baby. Having a support network is of vital importance for new parents, and the “Happy Mum, Happy Baby” podcast offers exactly that – a platform where conversations about the highs and lows are discussed with open hearts and minds. The podcast, hosted by Giovanna Fletcher, is a continuation of her best-selling book of the same title. Each week, she invites a high-profile mum or dad to join in a candid conversation about all things parenthood. Listeners love her, and she reaps a 4.8 overall rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with nearly 6,000 reviewers altogether. At “Happy Mum, Happy Baby”, no topic is off limits, so buckle up for a morning or an afternoon of raw, honest, and often hilarious conversations about parenthood.
“Blended”
A family is a family, and love is love, no matter what. Whether second marriages, divorce, or adoption are present, showing up to the best of your abilities as a parent and a family is unquestionable. Kate Ferdinand takes on a journey to celebrate blended families in her podcast “Blended” by covering the stories of various relationships and parenthood types that might be slightly different from what is considered “normal”. She champions different voices and experiences from experts, everyday people, and celebrities to shed a positive light on unconventional circumstances. Kate’s empowering podcast is uniting many parents around the world who may be having a blended family. It’s no surprise that the podcast has a rating of 4.9 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with over 1,400 reviewers altogether. With such a wide choice of exciting podcasts, you can make the most of your spare time by sitting back, relaxing, and listening to expert advice on the topic that interests you the most – parenting. You will transcend yourself to a parallel universe of parenting where everything seems a little bit more light-hearted, just like it should be!
As a parent, sleep is essential, but many of us struggle to get a good uninterupted deep rest throught the dark hours. The sleep experts at sleepjunkie.com reveal that a common botanical fruit many of us enjoy at any hour of the day, could be contributing to dreams or nightmares.
A spokesperson at sleepjunkie.com says “Bananas are a superfood that can be enjoyed pretty much any time of the day. However, eating them too close to bedtime can contribute to a restless night's sleep and stimulate vivid dreams or nightmares. Due to their high levels of magnesium which relax the muscles and calm the body, many people can benefit from their soothing effects late at night. However, bananas also produce a high amount of melatonin and too much melatonin can have the opposite effect of its intended purpose. Whilst they give us 26% of the daily recommended value of melatonin, experiencing these levels before bed can make it harder for you to sleep. This is because your circadian rhythms will be disrupted and activate your imagination.”
“Most healthy adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best. However, the average human will also only get 1 to 2 hours of deep sleep per 8 hours of that nightly sleep and typically will descend into deep sleep within an hour of falling asleep. Therefore, eating banana so close to the time you fall asleep can significantly impact your valuable hours of deep sleep. Eating too much fruit containing melatonin can leave you feeling drowsy and groggy during the following day due to of your restless night's sleep. Therefore,
the timing of melatonin is key to help sleep. Ideally, if you do enjoy a late-night snack before bed, try to leave it at an hour or two before attempting to sleep."
In addition to vivid dreams or nightmares, dizziness, headaches, and even agitation are some of the most common side effects of short-term melatonin use. Sleepjunkie.com shared five do’s and don'ts to help you alleviate dreams or nightmares that are disrupting your precious parent sleep:
Medications such as beta blockers, antihistamines, antidepressants or steroids can be a part of many people's daily lives. However, taking them before you try to go to sleep can reverse the effects of the medication, causing mores stress, anxiety or fatigue due to their ability to disrupt sleep and cause the brain to hallucinate. Beta blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. However, they can also cause disruptions of circadian rhythms and how the brain responds, which can cause nightmares as a side effect. Therefore, if you are prescribed anything, try to avoid taking them right before you go to sleep.
Whilst we don’t want melatonin levels to be too high before we sleep, having them too low can also cause a problem. Many of us are guilty of scrolling through phones or tablets at night. However, the glow produced by your screen can cause melatonin to drop. Instead, read a book which can help to “de-stimulate” your brain before bed.
Studies have found that getting enough natural light each day can impact a person’s mood and sleep quality. Our natural way of producing melatonin is closely tied to light and a lack of exposure to natural light during the day is associated with lower melatonin levels. Your body's circadian clock responds to light, as a signal to be awake, and dark, as a signal to fall asleep Therefore, when the sun is out, get as much light as you can, but after it sets, keep it dark. Your body will thank you.”
If you do you have a sweet tooth late at night, kiwis are one of the best choices to help increase your sleep efficiency and prevent the brain playing tricks on you. Studies show that kiwi fruit can help improve quality of sleep and sleep timings if consumed for a month or more before bed. Kiwi contains high volumes of serotonin and antioxidants, as well as vitamins such as vitamin B and folate which are often used to treat sleep disorders. These vitamins can also help to reset your body to its natural sleep schedule.
Caffeine consumption hours before bed will significantly impact your sleep. Studies have found that 400 mg (4-5 cups) of caffeine taken 0, 3, or even 6 hours prior to bedtime significantly disrupts sleep. Even at 6 hours, caffeine reduced sleep by more than 1 hour. Therefore, try to substitute your afternoon cup of coffee for a decaf alternative.
■ Cuckooland The Garden Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover £999
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■ Veeva Recliner Bean Bag £46.99
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■ Reversible Yellow Outddoor garden rug £15
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■ Geometric 2 Pack Scatter
Blue Outdoor Cushions
£19.99 vonhaus.com
■ Bolga Fans, set of 2 £49
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■ Solar Sparkling Garden Lanterns £38.95
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■ Garden Trading Walderton 2 Seater Sofa
PE Rattan £700 gardentrading.co.uk
■ Lotus Grill BBQ £149 cuckooland.com
Britain’s bee and butterfly populations are in decline, so there has never been a more important time to fill garden beds, plant pots and balcony spaces with nectar-rich plants for pollinators.
“Buglife’s annual Bugs Matter survey has tracked an alarming decline in insect numbers across the UK in excess of 60% in the past 20 years. We can all do our bit to arrest these declines and planting for pollinators is a great first step on the path to recovery,” comments Paul Hetherington, Director of Fundraising and Communication at Buglife, a CJ Wildlife partner. Here, wildlife expert CJ Wildlife shares its top five plants to include in your garden for pollinators.
Buddleja
Buddleja, also known as the butterfly bush, is a beautiful fragrant plant and is a favourite nectar source with butterflies, hence its more commonly known name. Flowers come in a variety of vibrant colours including blue, purple, pink and white, adding a splash of colour and wonderful fragrance to any garden throughout the summer months. Sit back and watch the butterflies flock! As buddleja is not a native plant it can swamp the garden, so keep your buddleja in pots and regularly prune to keep it from taking over.
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, more commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan is a pollinator’s heaven. These beautiful daisy-like flowers, with prominent cone centre, will grow in almost any soil conditions, reaching heights of around 60cm. Its bright yellow petals attract pollinators to its nectar and pollen rich centre, providing a sturdy platform for butterflies to land on. Throughout August and September these majestic plants add a burst of colour to any garden, supplying sustenance for wildlife towards the end of the growing season.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular aromatic, perennial plant loved by bees and butterflies alike. Its beautiful fragrant summer flowers, which are known for its shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, are a hive of activity during the warmer months. These hardy, drought tolerant plants are happy in well-drained soil and thrive in containers, gravel gardens, and sunny balconies, adding a Mediterranean style to any garden.
Roses
Roses are a lovely addition to any garden, however some roses are more suitable for pollinators than others. Natural roses such as the dog rose and CJ Wildlife’s Bee Perfect Rose are ideal due to their open flowers. The positioning of the petals creates the
perfect shape for bees to easily access the pollen and nectar at the centre of the flower. Plant roses in late autumn, ready for flowering from June until September.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a treat for the eyes in any garden and are also the perfect feast for bees and butterflies! Two varieties of sunflower recommended by the RHS Perfect for Pollinators plant list are the common sunflower and the cucumber leaf sunflower. The nectar and pollen produced by sunflowers are sought after by honeybees and bumblebees, especially during autumn when there are fewer pollen sources available. Sunflowers also have extrafloral nectaries in the bracts and upper leaves, providing bees with a goldmine of nectar!
In addition to these wonderful pollinator-friendly plants, another easy way to add colour and nectar to your garden is by scattering wildflower seeds. The Buzzy® Organic Bees Flower Mix from CJ Wildlife contains an array of bee-friendly seeds to sow in flower beds and pots, creating a wildlife haven. Simply scatter the seeds, rake into the soil, and wait for your beautiful wildflower patch to blossom!
For more information on planting for wildlife visit birdfood.co.uk
Country Child’s handpicked homes fit for a King or Queen!
£4,500,000
Stowe Castle is a unique Grade II Listed house with an excellent range of secondary accommodation, set in attractive gardens and grounds. The house with its 60 foot castellated walls has many period and character features including segmental arches, two large Ogee arched doorways with beautiful solid oak doors, an ornate marble fireplace, flagstone flooring, window seats, shutters and decorative cornicing.
knightfrank.com
£4,200,000
Today, whilst retaining significant elements of the original castle, Hartree boasts its Georgian and Victorian heritage, including its impressive tower housing the front door, with battlements above. Hartree House has enjoyed complete refurbishment and further enhancement by the recent addition of new, architectdesigned accommodation to the south facade, plus creation of courtyards, garaging and stunning formal gardens.
savills.com
Otterburn Castle is currently run as a successful country house hotel and retains many of its historic fittings and striking architectural details. These include stone-mullioned windows, oak wall panelling, magnificent fireplaces and intricate plasterwork. The stately reception hall has a carved staircase and timber panelling which creates an impressive sense of theatre upon arrival. Similarly, the principal reception rooms provide significant spaces for entertaining, being beautifully proportioned and full of character.
struttandparker.co.uk
Brechin Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking its surrounding designed landscape. There are about 40 acres of policies including the renowned walled garden, where, in addition to the Castle there are two gate lodges (West and New) and three further estate houses and cottages. The properties are strategically placed around the grounds without compromising the outlook of the Castle. The River South Esk provides the opportunity to catch salmon and sea trout in the Castle Pool._
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The cost of private education rises 5.6% with average parents increasingly priced out: Here are eight ways to make it more affordable.
Aprivate school education is at risk of becoming a luxury only afforded by the ultra-wealthy with average fees rising 5.6% across all independent schools, whether primary, secondary, day or boarding, in the 12 months to January 2023, according to the latest census from the Independent Schools Council published today.
The average day school fee rose 5.8% to £5,552 per term or £16,656, with the biggest outlay for sixth form students with termly fees of £6,025 and an annual cost of £18,075. The average boarding school fee jumped 5.2% to £13,002 per term or £39,006, while a sixth form boarder would set parents back £13,676 per term on average or £41,028.
Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest, the DIY investment platform and coaching service, comments: “School fee inflation of 5.6% on average, or 5.8% for a day pupil, may be hard to stomach for parents already grappling with higher costs elsewhere but considering CPI inflation was 10.1% for the same January to January period, this is a better outcome than expected - when you consider the heavy demands on school budgets posed by rising costs, including wage inflation. The worry, however, is that fees are expected to jump more dramatically in the next academic year as school heads grapple with mounting cost pressures. Add in the prospect of a future Labour Government honouring its pledge to add 20% VAT to school fees and many parents may be forced to abandon plans to privately educate their offspring, opting for a taxpayer-funded state education instead. For those with children already in the private system, the threat of further fee hikes when they are already juggling higher household bills and a much heavier tax regime, may force them to take the difficult and unwelcome step of pulling their offspring from school mid-way through their education. This would see private education become a luxury only afforded by the super-rich, rather than the domain of aspirational professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, willing to make sacrifices elsewhere to give their children the best possible start in life.”
The ISC’s 2023 Census reflects a very different landscape to the 2021 report when two-thirds of the schools either froze or reduced their fees to compensate parents during the Covid-19 pandemic for children attending school from home – leading to
an average annual fee increase of just 1.1% - the lowest rise since 1971. Even the 2022 census saw a below-inflation increase of 3.1% as schools and parents adjusted to the post-pandemic era. While a private education may seem unachievable for some, those with a cast-iron financial plan in place or the lucky few with generous grandparents willing to contribute or shoulder the costs in full, you may still be able to access the independent sector. Here, Haine outlines how to make a private school education more affordable:
With the average annual term fee ranging from £5,108 to £13,676 per term depending on which stage of the education your child is at and whether they are a day pupil or boarder, a private school education is no longer something parents can consider on the fly.
Even those considering the private sector for just a short portion of their child’s education – such as the primary years, secondary or sixth form - will also face a hefty bill. A sixth form boarding place will cost £82,056 for the full two years, so that needs careful consideration.
Before you calculate your budget, decide what stage of an education a private schooling will deliver the most value. For some parents, giving their child the best possible start early on with a private primary education might be a priority. For others, entry at age 11 or 13 to expose their child to a private system in their secondary years to tie in with key exams – something the Census reflects with the largest increase in private school numbers falling in the GCSE years - might be preferable as it also gives them longer to save.
Alternatively, paying for the sixth form years may be attractive for parents who want their children to learn to be more independent as a boarder or have access to smaller class sizes. Conversely, many parents who have already shelled out for a private education may choose the sixth form to send their child to a state college, either for financial reasons, to improve chances of Oxbridge entry where there is pressure to improve state school intake, or perhaps because their child has shown an aptitude for certain subjects not offered by existing school.
2 Financial planning is key, so calculate your budget to set your savings goal
If sending your children to private school is a major life goal and you don’t have excess savings or access to family money, then planning ahead and building up a sizeable savings pot is the only option. The last thing any parent wants is to run out of money midway through a child’s schooling and be forced to pull them out suddenly, disrupting their learning and friendships in the process.
To calculate your budget, multiply the number of years you want to pay for by the number of children you have and make some assumptions on inflation, as well as the potential addition of VAT. Your calculation should also factor in the additional expenses that come with a private education, such as uniform, sports kit, books, trips abroad, music lessons, learning support and more.
Those with tighter budgets can choose a lower-priced school with less frills that still offers the perk of smaller class sizes to make your goal more realistic. Alternatively, lessen the number of years your child is in the private school system to reduce the financial hit.
3 Remember, fees are only going to go up again so adjust your budget accordingly
Average fees may have risen 5.6% this academic year, but parents are already bracing themselves for another hit in the 2023-24 academic year when many schools are expected to increase their fees by up to 10% or more to cover rising costs.
Add in Labour’s proposal to add 20% VAT to school fees and middle-income parents, who are also contending with sky-high inflation, with the cost-of-living crisis constraining expenditure for parents, may find themselves struggling. It is vital for anyone considering entering their children into private education over the next few years, to factor in this possibility in their funding plans given Labour’s strong lead in the polls.
4 Save and invest towards it in a tax-efficient way
Once you have a plan, you can then determine how much money needs to be stashed away and later generated each year and match any investment strategy to the goal you need to
hit to pay school fees for the entire duration of your child’s education.
Even with saving rates jumping up in recent months, sticking money into a regular bank savings account is not going to pay for a private school education. High inflation will erode any gains and there’s no guarantee savings rates will stay this high over the long term.
A long-term, diversified investment strategy has the potential to deliver a healthier return as your money works harder for you. Higher risk investments such as equity funds can be used to fund costs that are many years away, with cash and less volatile assets used for the earlier years of a private education.
Making your investments as tax efficient as possible is also a wise move as money held in a regular savings account can be at risk of peaching the Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, £500 for higher rate taxpayers and zero for additional rate taxpayers) because of the higher interest rate environment.
Taking advantage of your £20,000 ISA allowance can be a wise storage strategy for your school pot as all income and capital gains are tax free. allowing parents to grow the fund and withdraw investments when they want without fear of a hefty tax bill at the end.
5 Don’t attempt a ‘pay-as-you-go approach’ - it’s far too risky
Paying school fees on the go is a high-risk strategy even for families with very high incomes. Unexpected life events, such as job loss or large, unplanned costs that eat into your monthly expenditure, can derail plans to pay school fees on time. Plus paying school fee costs out of taxed income puts finances under tremendous strain, particularly for those with more than one child, when you consider all the other living expenses that need to be met.
This is why parents who do want to go down the private education route must lock in that goal as early as possible to ensure they have a viable financial plan in place to meet these costs. This prevents the financial stress that will inevitably come in tight financial times as no one wants to be worrying about how the next school fee bill will be paid.
If a private education is out of your financial reach, but perfectly manageable for the child’s grandparents, it might be time for a frank conversation. Wealthy grandparents are often happy to contribute or fund the full cost, particularly if their generosity also reduces a future inheritance tax liability.
Remember, however, school fee contributions will be treated as a gift to their grandchild for tax purposes, even if they are made directly to the grandchild’s school. While gifts made to individuals are not instantly liable for inheritance tax, if the grandparent dies within seven years, then there may be a retrospective liability.
One option often used in circumstances where a grandparent makes a substantial gift to finance school fees is establishing a trust on behalf of the child. The gift into the trust is a potentially exempt transfer for inheritance tax purposes after seven years. In this situation the trustees retain full control over where the assets are invested and drawn down upon but as the child is the ultimate owner of trust assets, they will be taxed against the child’s income tax and capital gains tax allowances/exemptions, making this very tax efficient.
Other exceptions grandparents can tap into include the annual gift exemption of £3,000 per year that can be given away free of IHT. This can be carried forward by one year if it was previously unused. So, two grandparents using their exemption for the first time could contribute £6,000 each or £12,000 in the first year, and £6,000 for each subsequent year.
Another useful exemption applies to regular gifts out of surplus income. As long as their income does not exceed their outgoings or impact their lifestyle, then regular gifts can be made without an IHT liability. Remember to keep a record of all the gifts made and the calculations that prove this is from surplus income just in case HMRC wants further evidence that the payments fall within their rules.
Generous grandparents should also be sensible when it comes to gifting. There’s no point funding their grandchild’s education if they are putting their own financial stability at risk so do the sums carefully or seek financial advice if you are unsure. The tax implications of giving financial gifts are complicated, so grandparents must read up on the rules first or consult a qualified tax planner who can advise them of the best course of action.
Most private schools offer scholarships or bursaries for children who are either very gifted in a particular subject, such as in maths or science, or a skill, such as music, drama or sport, or can demonstrate a financial need to receive support. While a scholarship can wipe a fixed percentage off the annual fee bill, such as 10%, bursaries can offer bigger reductions, sometimes covering the fees in full along with uniforms and other costs –though this is at the discretion of the school.
More than 30% of pupils receive some form of fee assistance, with fee assistance breaking the billion-pound
barrier for the first time in the year to January 2023 with the average value of a bursary hitting £11,800. There is also a trend towards more high-value bursaries, with an increasing number of pupils receiving bursaries worth 75% or more of fees.
While most fee-assistance comes directly from the schools and is means tested. some charitable trusts can also help parents in the private school system in cases of genuine need though their criteria for who receives the money is often dependent on social need such as the sudden death of the family breadwinner or parents who get into financial difficulty.
Schools may also offer discounts on fees paid in advance or offer sibling discounts for families with more than one child at the same school while certain professions can secure a hefty discount, such as qualifying officers in the Armed Forces and the clergy. Teachers working in private schools may also secure discounts on fees from a set reduction, such as 50%, to fees being covered in full.
While many families may aspire to give their children an independent education, hopeful that smaller class sizes, extensive range of extracurricular activities along with the personal support and pastoral care and top-class facilities will accelerate their child’s learning, the reality is that they may even be at a disadvantage.
Firstly, some private schools offer a limited range of subject options for GCSE and A Levels compared to their state counterparts. Secondly, private schools don’t always attain the top grades for those seeking a high academic standard, often because of their extensive extracurricular programmes that take up a large part of a student’s time. A private school day can be long, so parents that want to see more of their children may feel they are missing time with them.
Attending a private school education can also be a disadvantage for those that want to access an elite UK university, such as Oxford and Cambridge, who are under pressure to increase their intake of state school pupils. Recent studies have found private schools are now less likely to be offered a place to study at an elite institution than their state school counterparts, with private schools finding the numbers of their pupils successfully gaining places at top universities declining significantly in recent years. Some privately educated children with stellar academic records are now choosing to switch to a state college for their sixth form years to help secure a place at the university of their dreams.
Many middle-class parents who might have once considered private schools in the past are now sending kids to states schools but topping up with private tutoring outside of school hours. This has become much more accessible through online tutoring services, often using undergraduates. As well as being more affordable, it will not appear on children’s university applications at a time where leading universities are being accused of bias against the private sector. In this part of the market, “private” education is alive and well. bestinvest.co.uk
